Aberdeen International Youth Festival

In the summer of 2008, the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong (MYO) was invited to perform at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in Scotland, held from 30 July to 9 August 2008.

The Festival is a world-class event with a history of more than 40 years in bringing together and presenting outstanding young performers and performing groups from around the world. As a unique multi-arts festival, it has earned a reputation for attracting some of the finest youth orchestras, bands, dance companies, classical dance academies, and music ensembles internationally.

EXPERIENCE MUSIC EXCHANGE AND BUILD INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIPS

MYO members will present their own performances and participate in joint concerts in Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. They will also take part in workshops and demonstrations for festival participants and local audiences.

In 2008, MYO was the only performing group invited from China and Asia. Other participating groups came from the United States, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Scotland.

THE WORLD FESTIVAL OF YOUTH ARTS

When not performing, MYO members will have the opportunity to attend a wide range of Festival performances, including classical music, choral music, dance, world music, jazz, theatre, and other performing arts events and workshops. The two-week Festival features more than 70 events and brings together up to 1,000 performers under the age of 25.

Students will also have opportunities to participate in activities offered by other performing arts groups, including classical orchestra, opera, puppetry, and Scottish music-making workshops.

EXPERIENCE CAMPUS LIFE

The Festival is based at the University of Aberdeen campus, where students will stay in single study bedrooms and share meals and social activities in common areas, providing a valuable experience of overseas residential life.

During their free time, students will be able to make use of the University's sporting facilities. Sightseeing activities in and around Scotland will also be arranged as part of the Festival program.

This performance tour provides a valuable opportunity for young musicians to experience the joy of learning through music, develop a greater appreciation of different cultures and performing arts traditions, broaden their international perspectives, and build friendships with young people from around the world.